Lions earn third straight victory as Jenkins sinks game winner

On Saturday January 21^st your Mount St. Joseph women's basketball team hosted Anderson University for a major mid-season HCAC matchup. Prior to the matchup the Lions found themselves sitting in the 5^th spot of the HCAC standings at 6-4 while the Ravens were in the 4^th spot at 7-3. This HCAC matchup lived up to the hype as it came down to the final possession and Freshman Morgan Jenkins knocked down a floater with 0.9 seconds remaining to earn the Mount a 54-52 victory.

              In quarter number one Madison Drummonds continued to take the lead role for the Lions as she started with two straight layups to earn the Lions a quick 4-0 lead. Defense was key for the Mount early as they grew their lead to 9-4 after Karlee Mills knocked down her first triple of the game. The offense would then stall as the Ravens took the lead back with 2:50 left. Lions would then go on an 8-2 run with back-to-back three-point shots from Mills and Morgan Jenkins. The period would then come to a close with the Lions leading 17-13.

              The second period began with the Mount controlling the first five minutes. Drummonds and Mills once again took advantage of a break down in the Ravens defense to grow the lead to six. Both teams would step up defensively as there was no made baskets for the next 3 minutes. Anderson would then break that trend as they went on a run to earn a six-point lead of their own. Karlee Mills would then continue her stellar first half with a pair of free throws and her third triple of the afternoon to cut the lions deficit to two at the half. 

              In the start of the second half, the two evenly matched schools continued their battle. During the third period, the Mount held the Ravens to a game low 22% shooting while forcing 5 turnovers. The fast break points for the Lions made the difference for them to stay in the game in the quarter. Anyiah Murphy turned a steal by Mills into a layup on the other end to build a 38-33 lead with 3 minutes remaining in the third. Madison Drummonds added the final point of the quarter on a free throw as the Lions remained tied at 39 heading to the final quarter. 

              The final period was an exciting finish for the Lions. Both teams would score the basketball at will as neither team pulled ahead by more than three points. Four different Lions found the bottom of the net as Morgan Jenkins took the lead role in scoring with six in the quarter. With 1:12 left in the game the Mount found themselves needing a stop on the defensive end. The Ravens put up a three point jump shot at the end of the shot clock which was missed and rebounded by Anyiah Murphy followed by a timeout. The Lions then held for the last shot which was executed to perfection as Freshman Morgan Jenkins knocked down a floater with .9 seconds left. Following an Anderson timeout, Murphy was able to tip the inbound pass as time ran out and the Lions ran onto the court to celebrate a 54-52 victory to move pass the Ravens in the standings.

              The Lions were led by Karlee Mills who poured in 16 points, 5 rebounds, and two steals. Madison Drummonds also scored a respectable 11 points, 6 rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field.

              The Lions next matchup this season will once again take place in the Harrington Center as they host the visiting Yellow Jackets of Defiance College. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.